Most of the year, due to the heavy snow, it remains closed. To visit the lake, you have to walk a distance of 14 km through the alluring mountains and greenery. Shaped like a teapot, the lake is divided into 2 main parts-the greater part is Shiv Katori (the bathing place of Lord Shiva) and the lower part is called Gauri Kund (the bathing place for Goddess Parvati).
The magnificent Lake is located in proximity to the virgin top of Manimahesh Kailash Parbat, which is believed to be the sacred abode of Lord Shiva. It is said that he built both the landforms as his marital home with Goddess Parvati, and considered to be still living here. There is also a marble image dedicated to the Lord in the periphery, which is also called Chaumukha.
Breathtaking Beauty of Manimahesh Lake With Clean and Unpolluted Water
The Manimahesh glacial lake has its springs in the melting snow of nearby peaks. Shiny snow surrounds brittle dry bushes. When the ice continues to melt by the end of June, it splits into several small streams. The streams, the lush greenery and the flowers give the valley remarkable stunning scenery. The reflection of snow-capped ranges can be seen in clear, unpolluted waters. The air around us is frozen, and the atmosphere is pure and sacred, overflowing with the prayers of the pilgrims and the grace of Lord Shiva.
Trek-Route
If mountain hikers and trekkers are to be trusted, the hike to the majestic Manimahesh is one of the most beautiful hikes in Himachal Pradesh. The most famous and simple trek starts in the tiny city of Hadsar. A well-marked mule trail connects the town from Manimahesh and starts near the intersection of Buddhil Nullah and Manimahesh Nullah. Some temples and a huge gate mark the beginning of the route.
The first some kilometers is a modest slope, but after that, the route becomes like a zigzag way to the first Mani Mahesh stream. After another 1-1.5km of trekking, devotees get to Dhancho. It is positioned at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. From Dhancho, the hike goes via the valley of flowers and herbal plants to Sundarsi.
There are 2 trekking routes available from Sundarsi. The first and most affordable one is a zig-zag path over a moraine straight to Gaurikund. The other and slightly tricky one enters Gaurikund through "Bhairav Ghati" If you take the first route from Gaurikund, you cross over a metal girder bridge to the Mani Mahesh Nullah. The gradient is finally eased and your destination is 1.5/2 kilometers from here. Visitors can complete the trek in one day or can stay overnight at Dhancho. Tented housing and a kitchen for food are available for stay. It's also a relatively easy trek, so there's no need to advance trekking gear. In fact, the pilgrims finish the barefoot trek.
The Best Time to Visit
One can visit Manimahesh Lake at any time between April and mid-November and the rest of the year's total area covered with snow.
How to Reach Manimahesh Lake
Manimahesh may be approached by 3 different routes :-
- A way is to take the Karwarsi Pass or the Jalsu Pass through the village of Tyari, near Holi in Bharmour, from Kangra and Mandi.
- The simplest and most effective way to get to this place is through Bharmour. Hadsar-Manimahesh route, which involves a trek of 14 km from Hadsar village to Manimahesh lake. It takes 2 days to travel along this route (night stay at Dhancho). This route of the trek is well established, scenic and guaranteed to offer a wonderful experience.
- Visitors can reach Manimahesh from Lahaul and Spiti via Kutti Pass also.
Busses, private taxis and shared taxis are available for all of the above routes. Visitors could even take a helicopter from Bharmour to Hadsar.
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